STADIO, Switzerland – The Hockey Club Lugano has signed American forward Zach Sanford to a contract for the 2025/26 season.Sanford, born in Salem, Massachusetts, on Nov. 9, 1994, brings a meaningful physical presence to the team, standing at 193 cm and weighing 94 kg.
Sanford’s Versatility Offers Depth
Sanford’s physical attributes make him a versatile player, capable of filling various offensive roles and contributing in different game situations. His career spans both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL), showcasing extensive experiance at the professional level.
Did you know? – Zach Sanford’s signing bolsters Lugano’s roster for the upcoming season. The team hopes his experience and versatility will provide a competitive edge in the Swiss National League. Sanford’s size and skill set are expected to be a valuable asset.
A Stanley Cup Champion
After growing up in the Boston area, Sanford was drafted by the Washington capitals in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He played two seasons at the collegiate level with Boston college in the NCAA before turning pro. His NHL journey includes stints with the Capitals, St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, and Chicago Blackhawks. He also played in the AHL for the Hershey Bears, chicago Wolves, San Antonio Rampage, Milwaukee Admirals, Tucson Roadrunners, and Rockford Icehogs.
The pinnacle of Sanford’s career to date was his role in the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup victory in the 2018/19 season, a historic first for the franchise.
Reader question: – How do you think Sanford’s experience in the NHL and AHL will translate to the Swiss National League? Will his versatility allow him to adapt quickly to the new league and contribute effectively?
“Zach Sanford brings great experience within our team,” said Janick Steinmann, General Manager of the Hockey Club Lugano. “He is a very versatile striker who can play the wing as in the center, in the powerplay as in the penalty killing where he is very strong. It will give stability,quality in every aspect of the game and more options for the technical staff on how to use it in the different attack lines. I am very happy that it can reach us and help us.”
Did you know? Zach Sanford was drafted in the second round by the Washington Capitals in 2013, 11 years after the capitals last won the Stanley Cup.
sanford’s NHL statistics include 359 games played, with 112 points. in the AHL, he recorded 225 games and 129 points.
